The True Story of Black Hawk Down

The True Story of Black Hawk Down

2003, Military and War  -   199 Comments
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Ratings: 6.99/10 from 192 users.

The True Story of Black Hawk DownOn October 3rd, 1993, 120 Delta Force Commandos and Army Rangers were dropped into the heart of Mogadishu, Somalia. Their mission was a fast daylight raid to kidnap lead terrorist Mohammed Farrah Aidid, who had been killing U.N. workers delivering food to starving Somalis. Aidid’s goal was to control the country by controlling all the food.

The U.S. raid went off with clockwork precision, until the unexpected happened. Two of the U.S. Black Hawk helicopters, the soldiers’ airlift out, were shot down. The mission abruptly changed to a rescue operation. Surrounded by Somali militia, a fierce firefight ensued that left American troops trapped and fighting for their lives. The ordeal left 18 American men dead, 70 wounded, with 3,000 Somalis casualties.

This brilliant documentary tells the true story of "Black Hawk Down" through the memories and voices of the American Special Forces survivors. Also included are Somali militiamen as they recount their harrowing experiences of battle.

The True Story of Black Hawk Down is a reminder of the bravery and determination of our armed forces and their creed and commitment to never leave a man behind.

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Alex Chai
Alex Chai
2 months ago

Go watch this new movie released name MALBAT, it's on Netflix. Tells you the true story that the Malaysian Army Battalian Tigers helped the US army stranded .... one Malaysian soldier died in this event. Truly showed the movie Black Hawk Down hide the truth that Malaysian army helped at this event.

Government
Government
1 year ago

enough to lie

blah
blah
2 years ago

Americans are morons, what they don't say is that the reason they attacked the black hawks and American soldiers so viciously is because the US had bombed a peace summit between tribal elders before that.

Roy
Roy
5 years ago

The fact is Malaysia Army save US army.?

Diop
Diop
5 years ago

Go Somalis they wrecked those Americans to death

Rosie Banegas
Rosie Banegas
5 years ago

It is astounding that in some situations, Americans facilitate negative attack. It is in essence like they crave it. The real story is not something everyone knows about. It is extremely disgraceful how the government constantly lies to Americans. Quite frankly, even thinking of American lives as expendable and simply as bargaining chips in pursuing their interests. I am appalled by some things i have come across and extensively researched. Government has disgraced what the founding fathers intended.

nthompson
nthompson
6 years ago

I just want to say, our town in Iowa also had a solder with this Black Hawk group. He survived this event, but later - only three days later fell at another military assault. I would like to have a monument and really would like to have a black hawk, to commemorate a life that hasn't really be celebrated in his home town or really acknowledged - be it because he wasn't written into the book and movie ....but I think middle America would be well served and represented in their loss serving and defending America....who would I contact to help with this idea?

Ina
Ina
6 years ago

You just believe what you hear and listen to... This movie is just "made up" , lie and hide the truth ... They just want to blind you from the fact ... Trust me ... I am not lying ... We will not comment like this if it not true

Ina
Ina
6 years ago

Malay army help American soldiers when they surrounded by somalia soldiers... If Malaysian army doesn't save the them maybe all of them not safe... do not change history

James
James
6 years ago

where Malaysian army in this movie that saved the survivors ?

Shawn
Shawn
6 years ago

Amen Joey I stand by what you said 100%.

Amin J.
Amin J.
7 years ago

I taught the muslim from malaysia rescued the U.S Ranger.

@joey&therest What you see n heard about muslim in the news, they only let you saw the hill billy-oppressed muslim. We have an unlimited knowledge through the net. Why dont you give a chance to your self read or look through what islam is about. How other islam country looked like. its worth your time. If any or you my friends, see someone/organization killing innocent civilian in the name of Allah S.W.T (ex. ISIS, Al-Qaeda) those are muslim who are not practicing Islam. Muslim and Islam are different. You can just google it.

Bcc
Bcc
7 years ago

The movie shows how mismanaged the whole operation was many got killed because of bad leadership, planning, where was the tanks to massive air support.

KeepinItReal
KeepinItReal
8 years ago

This was a brutal and horrific event. The images that were displayed throughout the world did show the barbaric savagery of this ideological belief system.

From all that I've read, there's much in-fighting between the sunni, shiites, and wahhabi sects. They've been fighting and killing one another for a long time, and the world ought to let these sects settle their own differences.

I think it's past-time for America to get out of the arabic muslim part of the middle east. It's senseless to allow any more American soldiers lives be lost. It's time to pull all of the troops out, stop the immigration/refugee bullsh*t coming into the United States, and start deporting the ones that are already here, back to their country of origin.

When all of that is done and settled, be good neighbors and strive for peace. Give them one warning of what will happen if they attack or try to pull-off another 911.
If they decide to continue the jihad, carry-through with the warning; annihilate them.

Somali girl
Somali girl
8 years ago

that was not bravery but cowardness death of the 18 rangers n delta forces tought u lovely lesson actually we r not da 1ce dat regretin not u raided unarmed civilians what hve u been sayin be4 u came to Somalia there is no gun that can shoot the rangers n so on America learnt that they cant defeat Muslims so u growin up kids u blood may boil up but u cant change anythng da has happened

Somali girl
Somali girl
8 years ago

Larry M. Shelton MR.Clinton saw his power so he didnt want to lose again let ur brain work what u feel doesn't change da realy darlin grow up dnt think abou sendin any back up i wish u could meet a 1 Somali to show da hell u r

Mohamed Ibrahim
Mohamed Ibrahim
8 years ago

No body asked the Americans for help , they had their own interest , and they started firing guns , but at least it was a lesson to them and i swear to god more than 60 American soldiers died at that day because I was an eye witness what was happening at Mogadishu .
before the war we were listening the Radios and they were talking about something different from the reality such as well trained armies, heroes who don't scare and so on . God know what happened to them that day

Guest
Guest
8 years ago

No body asked the Americans for help , they had their own interest , and they started firing guns , but at least it was a lesson to them and i swear to god more than 60 American soldiers died at that died because I was an eye witness what was happening at Mogadishu .
before the war we were listening the Radios and they were talking about something different from the reality such as well trained armies, heroes who don't scare and so on . God know what happened to them that day ,

Sahwani Abdullah
Sahwani Abdullah
10 years ago

The first MALBAT company assembled at New Port and was ready for final orders at 1755 hours and the second company assembled at 1830 hours. They were mounted on 32 APCs. In just about two hours, the two companies under the Malaysian commander, Col Latiff, were ready to deploy and “the decision came from himand never from Kuala Lumpur.” After further planning, the task force commander decided that the coalition force for the operation was to comprise two U.S. QRF companies mounted on MALBAT APCs, but with Malaysian drivers, gunners, signallers, vehicle commanders, and officers. There was also another company of U.S. Rangers on HUMVEEs and one troop of Pakistani tanks (4 tanks only-added by me).

The coalition force departed New Port for Bakara Market at approximately 2325 hours. The rescue operation was under the command of LTC William David, USA. In the operation MALBAT sustained one soldier killed and six wounded as well ashaving four APCs (corrected by me from two APCs) destroyed. It was the combined effort by the Rangers, MALBAT, and Pakistani troops that resulted in success. It must be stressed that the whole operation from briefing to deployment and execution was done at night, which is inherently difficult and complex. Any delay was largely due to the force having to appreciate, coordinate, and plan what was a dangerous rescue operation.

At all stages of the effort MALBAT acted spontaneously under Col Latiff and did not refer to Kuala Lumpur.Testimony by MG Thomas M. Montgomery, USA, deputy force commander of UNOSOM II, and LTC William C. David, USA, commander of 2/14th Infantry, verifies these facts. The men and women of the Malaysian Armed Forces are a dedicated, disciplined, reliable, and courageous force. In peacekeeping missions, through diligent esprit de corps, willingness to cooperate, and self sacrifice, they have gained a reputation for trust and prowess. The “Malaysian Tigers” are respected and accepted wherever they go. With the highest esteem for JFQI request that you print this letter to correct the record.
—Col Chia Chan Sing, RMAF
Defense Attaché
The source....

lol
lol
10 years ago

the fact is the Malaysians did have a hand in saving U.S troops,
The 19th Batalion Royal Malay Regiment as well as Malaysian special forces (GGK)...1 Malaysian died and seven were wounded..U.S people should know the real fact...

Louise Briley
Louise Briley
10 years ago

Do you have list of the men killed? Involved?

Penny Just
Penny Just
10 years ago

Brave American Heros. Thinking of all the military this Memorial Day. Thank you for your sacrifices and your bravery.

Penny Just
Penny Just
10 years ago

Brave American Heros ! Thank you !

Larry M. Shelton
Larry M. Shelton
10 years ago

I saw for the first time black hawk down. I was truly amazed at how the movie was a lot like the real thing, but what makes me pissed is how that sonofabitch president clinton did not send any back up for our boys who died fighting those bastards. if it had been me i'd have sent a amour unit of tanks, support aircraft of f16's and bombed those black bastards straight to hell.

Levi McLouth
Levi McLouth
10 years ago

It was the night stalkers not the delta forces thank you my father was in black hawk down....!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eyul Akhif
Eyul Akhif
11 years ago

yeah you're ritgh ahmad syahli abu bakar ,stupid american lol

ahmad syahli abu bakar
ahmad syahli abu bakar
11 years ago

Country that act like the World Law Bringer but bring more death and destruction to other country, stupid citizen 100% believe their ruthless Mr President.
Invading Iraq for WMD ? NO WMD found.
Afghanistan for Osama?
Gaddafi because of Africa Gold, ..
WTF USA and Nato. War for their own profit.
And these coward well equipped soldier also did not mention MALBAT that save their smelly asses in Mogadishu.

Sam
Sam
11 years ago

when we captured them did we take them back to the base alive?

Shawn Alladio
Shawn Alladio
11 years ago

10/3/1993-2012
19 years have passed, our KIA are not forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
11 years ago

John Stebbins (they changed his name in the film as a result, but the character is played by Ewan McGregor) came back from Somalia and repeatedly raped and sodomized his 12 year old daughter. He should have been shot.

peepsplz
peepsplz
11 years ago

LOL people crack me up reading all the comments..There are so many that I can respond to but I will only respond to two..The first one is the Vietnam War. It depends on how you look at it.You can say America lost ,but really did they?? You had a South/North Vietnam to begin with..France went through Nato to ask if America would help them stop the communist from taking over the french terriorty.So they went endless blood shed but the facts remain there is still a south/north vietnam..So communist was stopped from taking over french terriorty stale mate if you will no winners..but there was plenty of human lives lost... UN asked America to help them with Somalia..So they did, got food to the people once America pulls out they kill pakistani u.n troops so they sent troops back to get the king lords, take them out sadly this happend..That's fine if the Somalias want to back the lords the ones who starve them..Next time someone ask America to do something the USA should tell them go F themselves just my thoughts..

Alystar Mckenneh
Alystar Mckenneh
11 years ago

I think we should have stayed out of it. Let those war lords kill and starve their own people. Who gives a crap. Yeah yeah I know we are supposed to care about innocent civilians but those innocent civilians are the people who bore the war lords. Leave them alone. Stop funding humanitarian aid to these countries. Turn your backs and just leave them to their own hell.

Marble
Marble
11 years ago

I find it ridiculous that some claim that those American soldiers involved in Operation Gothic Serpent unnecessarily opened fire on civilian people....

The civilian people were the ones shooting at the American soldiers.

I'd also like to know how the camera man sat there and listened to a murderer defend the dismemberment of American soldiers.

Mervyn Hughes
Mervyn Hughes
12 years ago

Fantastic story. This single documentary gives valuable insight into why US forces fail to be effective in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia etc. The lack of respect for local culture and people, too much reliance on military might, lack of clear strategy or political will to achieve long term goals stands out in this story. I wonder if instead of spending millions on military hardware if the US had built a few hospitals and schools first, they would have been able to win the trust of the Somalis.

sullyxr7
sullyxr7
12 years ago

Hussein Aidid comes to America gets trained to be "the best of the best" during a war with his father Mohamed Farrah Aidids. umm i think you Americans need a better screening prosses in your military

ProtectNdServe
ProtectNdServe
12 years ago

It's within our abilities as humans to fight each other regardless of reason, it's just our nature, as is the Lion's nature to kill for food, that's America for you, the 'Lion' they'll take from you because you can't defend yourself, is that so wrong tho? It's been like this for years now and you're still not used to it? Open your eyes people and Stfu if you have a problem do what everyone else is doing and fight... Expressing yourself through peaceful means such as communication is bullshit, your words won't reach anyone, no effect... It's the will of the strongest.

Derfyelir
Derfyelir
12 years ago

I believe we should start carpet bombing countries like Somalia!!!!!!!!!!!!! With food an clean water, it would be a hundred times cheaper, an what's there to loose trying that, Bombs rarely end wars, maybe it's
time to change or method of winning the hearts an minds other then with bullets. , I remember when the United States was the bread basket of the world. Now we are hardly able to feed our own, but will pay trillions to the military to take or children, husbands, wives an have them killed or maimed so a select few can make more money. Do people really not know history well enough to see. Truly I would hate to see all the job losses in the US if we got out of the military industrial complex, But I have to put lives over paychecks. Here if you work in the ordnance industry your are a patriot, any other country we attack, a person doing that job would be a terrorist. WARS ARE FOR PROFIT! Always have been, always will be! The Bankers an profiteers are the only winners in war! THE GAME IS FIXED!

Bernard ben Tremblay
Bernard ben Tremblay
12 years ago

"Go to Google Video" fails in Chrome. just sayin'

Thanks for having posted this.
_hooa_

Cathy
Cathy
12 years ago

What is wrong with some of you people? We support our troops because they sacrifice for the freedoms that we fight for everyday in America. We are a democratic nation. We have the same human rights as anyone in the world. People clearly hate America because we won't stand by and let anyone bash our nation. It isn't the greatest nation in the world, it isn't the wealthiest nation in the world, we don't always think of our own people, and our initial freedoms are being challenged. Our government doesn't always do the right thing and we have a lot of people that complain. But I can promise one thing, if ever we need to defend our people and our rights from other nations that threaten the U.S., you better be damn sure that every American, black, white, Irish, Chinese, Mexican, German, Italian, Native American, man, woman, child, gang member, racist bigot, KKK member, murderer, thief and so many more, will be right there to cut off the heads of those who would dare come to our soil and try to eliminate the American People. My ancestor fought in the Revolution for America, another in the Civil war and died for the Union, another in WWII and Korea and yet another in Iraq. You people who complain about supporting our military are damn lucky that you even have the right to post what you did. If it wasn't for those men and women, you would have nothing. You would be stuck with nothing but your complaints. You have no idea how good you have it here. I dare any of you complainers to go and join the military and be away from your family and have that fear of death everyday. bunch of cry babies you all are.

Darrell Bunyan
Darrell Bunyan
12 years ago

should have sent in the British SAS!
nuff said aiiiggt

Peter Speight
Peter Speight
12 years ago

"As far as I'm concerned, all members of the American military deserve the utmost respect for their sacrifices, even when the politicians send them to do something that may or may not be in the best interests of our great nation."

I think that says it all. If they kill innocent people and bring chaos to a region... who cares, because we must support them. Disgusting.

ropativ
ropativ
12 years ago

We see that Somalians are still starving and refugees still pouring out in the thousands,,,,

Oh, how they show so much pride in their glorious achievement of hiding and protecting the biggest perpetrator of their prevalent demise...how disgusting!

With the general populace supporting the very person who's power hunger overrides their and their children's hunger, why do the world bother trying to help out....?

And why do they flee to other countries for, if they so believe that their leadership is NOT at fault of all the miseries, the UN and others including the US have been trying to resolve....?

For those Africans and others who stated their hatred on either US soldiers or UN, think again.....before you open your mouths on here...!

I am not American or even pro-American....but my perspective is pretty much clearer to see what is right from wrong in an otherwise, a complicated web of societal circumstances and events...!

AM1983
AM1983
12 years ago

Wow. Some of the comments I have read here are a bit over the top. Some of them are just plain insane. Most of them are offensive. I shouldn't be surprised though, considering 90% of all internet comments tend to be very dumb. Does the web bring out the worst in people?

Have any of you people even watched this documentary? It appears that most of you missed the whole point of it.

This is a documentary highlighting the valor and bravery of human beings forced to do incredible things, under absolutely horrible circumstances.

How many people here have ever served in the military? Do you really think that you could possibly understand what it is like to watch your best friends die in combat?

I really hate to hear from these self-righteous cowards who criticize the brave men and women in uniform who do a job most of you could never handle!

As far as I'm concerned, all members of the American military deserve the utmost respect for their sacrifices, even when the politicians send them to do something that may or may not be in the best interests of our great nation.

I have no problem at all with anyone criticizing American policies, or politicians. I do it all the time; That's the way it's supposed to work. However, to attack the members of the military - who are just doing their jobs as best as they can, while risking their lives, being separated from their families, and getting paid too little to do so - is absurd.

I am very, very proud of the way my nations fighting men and women conduct themselves and have ALWAYS conducted themselves.

I strongly recommend watching the amazing 10-part documentary/reality show "Carrier", which is also available on this web-site. If you do, don't be surprised if you get teary eyed. I defy anyone to watch that program and then still be able to feel hatred for the American military or the American people.

Watch these documentaries with an open mind and try to learn something. Think before you type!

Now you can all go and attack me, but don't expect any more responses. I said what I had to say, and I don't really think it is useful to engage in childish arguments on-line. This is because sadly, people tend to use the anonymity of the Internet to behave in an irrational way. In other words, instead of a debate, we just get a bunch of angry, out-of-control egos insulting each other and resorting to stereotypes. Please people, calm down before you type.

I can handle the fact that some people hate Americans. Fortunately for me, I don't hate anyone.

Regan
Regan
12 years ago

Why is it that any critical observations of the US, especially of the US Military, are seen by some, such as AM1983, as stupidity, or hatred, or anti-patriotic, or even treason? Nothing is totally bad & nothing is totally good, the US is no different, it has in the past asserted good influence and these days tends to assert bad influence, that's just how it is. Like it or not the glory days of the US empire are over, WW1 & WW2 are in the past, since then the US has asserted itself in a much more malignent way & it's days are numbered. The collapse of the great US empire is happening before our very eyes, my main concern is what happens if a war criminal fruit loop like Cheney gets back into office again sometime in the next 10-20 years? It's the death throes that I'm worried about, and all of you should be as well.

AM1983
AM1983
12 years ago

My God... The level of stupidity, hatred, and jealousy that I have seen on this web-site in reading these comments is amazing.

Have any of you people even watched this documentary? It appears that most of you missed the whole point of it.

This is a documentary highlighting the valor and bravery of human beings forced to do incredible things, under absolutely horrible circumstances.

How many people here have ever served in the military? Do you really think that you could possibly understand what it is like to watch your best friends die in combat?

I really hate to hear from these self-righteous cowards who criticize the brave men and women in uniform who do a job most of you could never handle!

As far as I'm concerned, all members of the American military deserve the utmost respect for their sacrifices, even when the politicians send them to do something that may or may not be in the best interests of our great nation.

I have no problem at all with anyone criticizing American policies, or politicians. I do it all the time; That's the way it's supposed to work. However, to attack the members of the military - who are just doing their jobs as best as they can, while risking their lives, being separated from their families, and getting paid too little to do so - is absurd.

I am very, very proud of the way my nations fighting men and women conduct themselves and have ALWAYS conducted themselves.

I strongly recommend watching the amazing 10-part documentary/reality show "Carrier", which is also available on this web-site. If you do, don't be surprised if you get teary eyed. I defy anyone to watch that program and then still be able to feel hatred for the American military or the American people.

Watch these documentaries with an open mind and try to learn something. Think before you type!

Okay, I'm done. Now you can all go and attack me.

Guest
Guest
12 years ago

That teaches a lot. I only wonder why the USA didn't simply turn down the UN request to take over after seeing the the Indian (Or Paki) murders?

Simple to state ins't it? No one could hold that againts the USA authorities!
Bingo! Who could really force anybody?

Else, when a few other americans got killed on the 1sts relielf aids over there, why not use political pressure so that factual international justice gets done?
Whoupsy!... Almost forgot that the USA just couldn't care less about international justice...
They're not recognized yet or else the other way around, I fogot...
Anyhow, they're not in and sure prefer to stay aloof.
Especially in now Iraq's days?

Pierre.

Darek Brosz
Darek Brosz
12 years ago

So... This Documentary worth watching?

Mikeyduo
Mikeyduo
12 years ago

You continue to use IRAQ against America, but everything you say is all in hindsight. Saddam was not allowing UN inspectors to see all of his weapons, and denying them entry to many of his secrets. That alone gave us the right to get him out of the country. Everyone in almost every major intelligence agency in the world said Saddam had WMD's even though we didn't find them. It is a fact though that he used Chemical and Biological weapons against his own people and murdered thousands, he was a man that needed to be removed. All he needed to do was comply to inspectors to avoid war, but he didn't even when given deadlines. The only mistakes that the US made with Iraq is not kicking out Saddam the first time he tried to invade Kuwait, and not having a good plan to deal with transitioning Iraq back into its own country. You will probably say that we were there for Oil. So Saddam threatens the stability of the United states not only from attacks, but from increasing the price in oil, and you think thats ok? We didn't go there and take the oil out of the ground and bring it back to the US, but the price of oil is directly related to the security of the western world. Lets not forget that Bush WENT to the UN for permission, and the majority of the world agreed. We did not have to get the worlds permission, or the UN's, but we took the right path, even though it was more trouble for us.

You continue to criticize America's involvement in other countries affairs, but don't you realize the world is also in the business of $$? Look up China's involvement in Africa. Soon it will be there turn to be hated on. If there is money to be made in the world, why would someone not try to get it as long as it is within the rights of the law.

The world is a business, and YES, America has profited from other countries, but what I am saying is that along with this profit and overwhelming military power, we as the worlds superpower have used restraint in conquering others, and has become the worlds largest charity. (What country do you think donates the most money to the world during tragedies?)
In the history of the world, name me an empire that has had as much power as America and exercised such restraint with there powers. I think we can all agree that there is NONE that compare. Perhaps you would have liked the Mongolians ethics a little better?

Mike Gray
Mike Gray
12 years ago

id like to bring back a saying from the 80's or so it goes like this"KILL EM ALL LET GOD SORT EM OUT" im not one to belive this libral news that goes on we are there with guns we need to kill these people im talking old teastament punishment kill them their livestock take the goods and pour salt over the land

Mehmood Naseem Tabassum
Mehmood Naseem Tabassum
12 years ago

Can anybody confirm the participants for this rescue operations?
R they Nato Forces including Pak troops..?